Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good story, 4 Dec 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed The Feathery. It is a mystery/thriller that takes place in a setting of golf. What is most interesting and remarkable about The Feathery, is that there are two dramas occurring simultaneously, both equally riveting and quick-paced, within its pages. The book starts off with a glimpse into the past setting the stage for the first drama - an incredibly valuable golf artifact handed down through generations becomes a hotly sought-after prize by unscrupulous collectors willing to go to any lengths to secure it for their own private collections. This dangerous situation is woven through the experience of a young golfer who inherited the prized item, and as he guns for the British Open. The tension is heightened on two fronts - the struggle and challenges of the game itself, and the life and death stakes of the pursuit of one of golf's long lost holy grails. Murder-for-hire, kidnapping, illegal gambling, double-crossing, seduction, and the desire and brave reach for a dream long dreamt and a deep sadness and emotional void to be filled are what await you within The Feathery's pages.
The Feathery is also a touching story about the redemption of two young juvenile delinquents who suffer from the loss of their fathers at a young age and start acting out. Their futures could either be forfeit or saved. A caring detective and one of golf's great players take the boys under their wings. All of the characters are believable. The situations they are in are believable, and the journey is an authentic and emotional one. The author, Bill Flynn, has an obvious love and respect for the time-honored game of golf. He has skillfully woven in truly interesting details about the history of the game as well as its technical aspects. I feel a newfound respect and admiration for this popular game.
I was completely charmed by The Feathery. It is an interesting, touching read that has left me with great fondness for the history it taught and the story it told. It is also a lesson in faith, believing in oneself, staying true to your path when the chips are down and the road long and hard, as well as the enduring power of friendship and loyalty. Bill Flynn is a gifted storyteller and The Feathery is a rewarding read that I would recommend to anyone.
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 12 Aug 2008
THE FEATHERY is a sprawling adventure that sweeps over historical fiction, lingers over mystery, and flirts with romance as it spans a timeline of more than 150 years. Though the narration briefly touches down in 1849 and 2004, the bulk of the action begins in 2009, when Scott Beckman, an up-and-coming golfer, inherits an antique golf ball from his deceased mentor, Sandy McNair. When Scott gets the golf ball appraised, he discovers that not only is it a rare type of golf ball known as a feathery, but also that this particular feathery was used by golf legend Hugh McNair to set a course record at the St. Andrews course in 1849.
Though Scott is talented, a string of bad luck on the courses forces him to consider auctioning the feathery, and when he puts it up for auction, the bidding quickly rises to well over $1,000,000. However, shortly thereafter, his tour earnings rise enough that he decides to withdraw the feathery from auction. This move sparks violence from those so obsessed with this priceless feathery that they will rob and murder to get it. Scott survives this conflict, only to find more danger on the golf course when he enters the British Open as a long shot - and, much to the chagrin of those in control of the betting odds, appears to be in contention for the trophy.
The premise of THE FEATHERY is original and interesting; I was surprised to find myself completely caught up in the history of golf shared in this book, as I am not generally very interested in golf. Unfortunately, delivery in this novel is somewhat lacking. The prose is sometimes choppy, the dialogue unrealistic, and the wrenchingly emotional conflicts of the main characters are not given the time and depth that they deserve. For all its faults, though, THE FEATHERY remains engaging because of its unique subject and treatment. It is obvious that the author knows his subject, and his enthusiasm spreads easily to the reader.
Reviewed by: Rebecca Wells
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